Cultural Narratives

In a complex geopolitical context, Iran utilizes its rich spiritual and cultural heritage as a fundamental element of its tourism strategy to convey a sophisticated national identity. This research utilizes a qualitative thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, analyzing official promotional materials, academic literature, and content generated by tourists to reveal the prevailing narratives that influence Iran's destination image. The analysis identifies a complex identity systematically built upon four narrative foundations: (1) sacred pilgrimage, which includes Shia, Sufi, and Zoroastrian spiritual journeys; (2) the grandeur of ancient empires, highlighting Achaemenid glory and Silk Road resilience; (3) the artistic soul of prominent cultural cities, notably Isfahan and Shiraz; and (4) the lived experiential aspect of deep hospitality, represented by the practice of Taarof. A key finding is the intentional balancing of Iran's pre-Islamic Persian heritage with its modern Islamic identity, resulting in a unified narrative of a persistent and resilient civilization. These narratives function as critical tools of "soft power," enabling Iran to actively counter singular, often negative, international perceptions. This study presents a framework for analyzing the use of narrative in navigating a contested geopolitical landscape and identifies a critical vulnerability: the strategy's reliance on the preservation of fragile heritage assets. This research offers significant insights for scholars and practitioners, highlighting essential aspects of destination marketing and cultural diplomacy. It illustrates the complex interactions among heritage, spirituality, tourism, and geopolitics in a nation seeking to reshape its global image.